SAN DIEGO (KGTV) – A man suspected of robbing a Stockton-area liquor store was shot to death by officers after he pulled out a gun towards them, San Diego Police said Monday.
At around 7:45 a.m., officers were called to Mullens Market & Liquor on Imperial Avenue, near 30th Street, in response to an armed robbery.
According to SDPD officials, a man entered the store and held up an employee at knifepoint. He then allegedly grabbed cash from a drawer and ran from the store.
In an alley off Imperial Avenue, near 32nd Street, three responding officers confronted the suspected robber, but police said the man brandished a firearm towards officers.
The officers opened fire at the man and struck him. Despite life-saving measures, he was pronounced dead at the scene.
“The male was given first aid by the officers and paramedics," said Captain Rich Freedman, San Diego Police homicide unit. “None of the officers on scene were injured. We're still trying to determine if there was an exchange of gunfire.”
According to the department, while processing the scene and evidence, a knife and an airsoft pellet pistol were recovered with the man. SDPD said the shooting was caught on camera.
“I've been told that all the officers that were involved had their body-worn cameras activated,” said Capt. Freedman.
According to police, the unnamed officers were placed on administrative leave pending the investigation. Two of the officers were working an overtime assignment with the Neighborhood Policing Division. They have been with the department for approximately five years and six years.
The third officer is assigned to Central Division and has been with the department almost seven years.
ABC 10News learned the SDPD Homicide Unit, county District Attorney’s office, and FBI were involved in the shooting investigation.
When the Homicide Unit completes their investigation, it will be reviewed by the San Diego County District Attorney’s Office to determine if the officers bear any criminal liability for their actions.
